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Mark 1:29-39

The Word of God

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

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Many aspects of the life of Jesus come together in this reading. After the morning drama in the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew. The restrictions of Sabbath observance necessitated their having a quiet day. But Simon’s mother-in-law was ill and Jesus was moved to cure her. He always put compassion before the law.

The Sabbath ended at sundown and this allowed “the whole city” to come with their sick and possessed. They encamped at the door until Jesus had exercised his healing power. How late was it when all that was over? Yet in the morning, “while it was still very dark”, Jesus slipped out of the house, found a deserted place, and gave himself to prayer. Why did Jesus feel the need to pray? Are you surprised?

A search party was sent to look for Jesus. When they found him a curious conversation ensued which involved an apostolic choice: to return to Capernaum as the inhabitants wanted, or to move on to other towns? Jesus had already (in prayer?) decided on the latter option. What would you have advised?

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The Gospel stories tell us that as well as healing, casting out demons, and preaching, Jesus was in the habit of going off to a quiet place to pray. He felt this need to be in touch with the fact that he was the Father’s beloved. He must have found the lack of human affirmation very wearing.

In prayer, perhaps you might speak to Jesus about your shared experience of this lack of human acceptance and appreciation. Let him tell you how much he appreciates you as a companion and as one who shares his work. Notice and express how much you resist as well as relish what he says to you.

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Jesus does his tour preaching and casting out devils. And we’re given to understand that these two are practically the same thing – and that, were it not for the devils (who here want to find their voice!), even disease and sickness would disappear. Jesus is going into battle head to head with the kingdom of evil.

When I feel powerless before outside events, and before wayward tendencies in my own heart – I ask Jesus, the strong one, to come to my side.

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The first recorded hours of Jesus’ ministry are a whirlwind of activity. We are meant to catch on to the fact that when Jesus enters human lives, things change fast and for the better for those who are open. A new creation is here! Everyone is meant to get in on it.

But what do I need from Jesus? Am I just a spectator in the scene, or am I fighting to get close to him? His presence brings wholeness – do I need that? People become more alive – do I need that? Simon’s mother-in-law gets the energy to serve – do I need that? Let it not be true that ‘everyone is searching for him’ - except me.

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There is a moment of truth in the cure of Simon’s mother-in-law. When we are cured from a sickness by whatever means, it is tempting to sit back and accept people’s good wishes and congratulations. This sick woman felt her temperature drop, and energy return to her limbs “and she began to serve them”.

Lord, thank you for my health, not something to luxuriate in, but the means by which I can serve others.

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Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus heard Simon’s prayer for his sick mother-in-law and the fever left her. There is no trouble he will not face with us and for us. Put your trust in him.

Lord Jesus, you became human for us! You brought joy to a family at Cana. You brought healing and hope to Simon Peter’s mother in law, and to the paralysed and the blind.
You gave bread to the hungry. You gave us your life, your body, your spirit, your mother – everything.
Thank you!

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Jesus, this Gospel portrays a very busy day in your life. My days, as you know, can be busy too. But you find time to pray and I must try to do the same. You bless the time I give to prayer, and my life becomes more fruitful.

When Simon’s mother-in-law is cured, she does what Jesus himself does. She serves those in need. She becomes a disciple. Wellbeing of spirit involves a willingness to serve, while spiritual sickness means that I am concerned only about myself. I ask the Lord to make me truly well.

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Despite their brief acquaintance with Jesus, the disciples grasped that Jesus is empowered by the Spirit. His first act of healing is in favour of a woman. Healed of her fever, Peter’s mother-in-law embodies true discipleship – the service of others.

Lord, deliver me from seeking your help only in times of difficulty. May I grow in grateful love for the ways you daily raise me up and call me to the service of the community.